The power of belief.

Hello Lovelies! Good news! So as I've said before, I Love track with the white hot intensity of 1,000 suns. My passion and dedication have paid off. I am now seeded( which is the technical track term) or ranked at number one in my district! Meaning of all the girls who do what I do in my area,I am the fastest. More awesome news? The next fastest girl is on my team too! So here is where I reiterate that belief in yourself is SO important. The girls I run against have been practicing for YEARS whereas I only started last year. However, I told myself when I made a commitment to track that I was making a commitment to success. We should all believe that we have potential for success, without that belief there is no motivation! Think about it, if you already believe you can't do something are you just dying to go out and fail? Certainly not! Remember that even though there are others who do what you do or want what you want there is only ONE you and that makes you a hot commodity. I have reached one of my goals, so now it's time to go beyond, district champ is nice but, a regional title sounds even better ^_^ so onward and upward!! ~Katy

Do you have eczema? Does it drive you insane? Is it on your scalp, arms, or other painful and irritating places? Me too! I'm gonna tell you how I went from painful eczema to clear skin. I'm sorry I can't offer a cure, they haven't come up with one yet, but I hope you benefit from these suggestions. 1.See an allergist! General practitioners are nice,but they don't really offer the same sort of personalized treatment plans. 2. Don't know where an allergist is or don't want to pay the copay? Take a bath, not just any bath, at least a 15 minute bath, letting the affected areas soak will keep them pleasantly hydrated. 3. Wet to dry wrap: first wet your skin, next, apply a topical cream like hydrocortisone, mometasone or derma smoothe if you have it. After that cover the area with petroleum jelly and a patch of wet gauze. On top of the wet gauze apply dry gauze and a wrap of some kind. A sleeve would be best,but I've used a bandanna in the past. I will be completely honest it will  itch, but having that smooth skin in the morning is entirely worth it. Use the wet to dry wrap three times a week and you're set. 4. Tea tree oil, smells funny, but it keeps the irritation level down. 5. Do NOT use scented lotions or creams and be wary of 'anti-itch' lotions, I had an allergic reaction to one. 6. KEEP IT MOISTURIZED and try to avoid shaving over the affected areas. Hope this helps, and the video offers some more great tips for combating eczema! (This woman is a little talkative, but the information is great).Tell me how it goes!  ~Katy

Ever want to look cute in your bow tie?

Ever wanted to know how to tie a bow tie? Some days I wonder if it's odd for a girl to want a bow tie, but then I decide I'm just too cute not to have a one. So! I set out on my journey to learn the art of bow tie tying. First thought was to find a "teacher" literally one of my teachers said he would teach me, but the I moved. At my next school there was a particularly dapper young man who always had the CUTEST little outfits!( I hope he doesn't read this because he's seventeen and might get offended, hahah.) However, I moved again.Here at my new school I have only seen a few people in regular ties, let alone anyone in a bow tie. So dear reader I turned to the tried and true youtube! I hope you think this video is as great as I think it is.Stay Fly!  ^_^ ~Katy

Four reasons to Go natural

I know you are more than likely sick of having 12 make up kits and accessories in your purse (or if you're a male, you know your wife/girlfriend well enough to probably be able to relate). Wouldn't it be awesome if you could eliminate ALL of that make up and use just ONE product? Sounds too good to be true, however it isn't today! (Ain't progress grand?) Why? Because we've finally managed to perfect a formula that is 1. Easy to apply 2. Literally takes less than a minute to put on 3. It covers 8 make up products in ONE 4. perfectly healthy for you as it's made of minerals and agents that are safe, tested and true.

Let them know we were here!

 Hi! How many times have we  heard negative comments about our generation? We're too lax, we have too much screen time, we're lazy? Who else is sick to death of hearing these things? I for one, am! Let's be a generation they talk about for ages, let them say how we changed the world, how we made a difference, how we ROCKED our era. Here are some ideas 1. Volunteer at your local organizations. 2. Join the Octagon, Key/Keyette or Red Cross Club at your school. 3. Go to http://freerice.com/, every right answer helps fill a bowl of rice that gets sent to people in need. 4. Be a Big Brother or Big Sister. Go out and be that person that all the kids on the block look up to.Let them know we were here!

Valentine's day! Need a cheap cute gift?

Sooooo the second biggest commercial holiday is coming up! You guessed it, Valentine's day! As a teen I understand that the struggle for money is intense, so I've decided to share some of my cute, cheap gifts for past Valentine's. A lot of people equate caring with dollar amounts and that's just plain, WRONG. I have gotten many inexpensive gifts that I've appreciated and given them too. First suggestion, if you have any experience with "Microsoft movie maker" you know that it is super easy to use and if not then there is a link to a tutorial at the bottom of this post. One year I forgot to get a gift so I quickly took every picture I had on my computer of me and my Sugarplum, pulled some cute photos of our favorite movie from Google and a song that we sang to together from Itunes and Voila! Throw in some cute transitions and a sweet message in the end credits like "For my wonderful Valentine" and your set with something thought full and FREE. Another quick computer related gift is making a collage using Power point. I suggest power point because it's easy to move photos, turn em, overlap, increase or decrease size, put it on a pretty colored background or a big picture that you can see under the photos of you and your honey. This next one actually cost money but it's maybe seven or eight dollars. Cookies! My current Snookums is an Airman for our very own USAF so I got his favorite cookie dough and shaped them into various objects, an airplane (that one was hard, use a cookie cutter if you have it Lol), hearts, one said "AF". You can choose to decorate them with icing or not, they are just as sweet and thoughtful without it. One tried and true gift for me is the Love poem! When in doubt, write it out (lame I know haha) I can't tell you how appreciative my sweetie was when they read all my feelings poured out into a cute poem just for them! If your not the best poet a poem from the internet pasted on a heart shaped piece of construction paper (that you pulled from the art room at school)  with "Love you" scrawled along the edges like a boarder is just as sweet. So there you have it, cute, fast and free. Comment and tell me how it goes! ~Katy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZXK68NS7gU

If you don't actually want to make one of those videos just ask me! I will design a unique video slideshow with up to 35 of your photos set to music for $5 http://5rr.cc/s/3q6pe3 @FiverrHQ

Can't get out of bed in to morning? Try this!

  Can't get out of bed in the morning? Because of depression? Maybe you're always tiered? I've got one awesome suggestion that has worked wonders for me. So, remember that time you were walking down the hall and the bell rang right before you got to class? If your teacher let you in, do you remember the look of disappointment and sheer flipping annoyance? That little irritating tongue click they did? Remember looking around and feeling awkward being the only kid our of your seat? Remember feeling REALLY noisy as you sat down and got your stuff out. If your teacher didn't let you in, recall the look the attendance person gave you? It's all frustrating, uncomfortable and honestly might make you feel a little like you can't get it right. I had a teacher "make an example of me" she even told the whole class 'thanks for being the example of what happens when  you're tardy'. So what I try that works for me is just what I said, remember that you don't like being late! Remember that it is an awful experience. You're body will start to release Cortisol, otherwise known as "the stress hormone" because you want to avoid going through that again. Before you know it you'll be jumping out of bed and into the shower. Stay away from the anxiety of being late! Comment and tell me how this works for you! ~Katy

Believe in you! Track Life

Hey peeps! Let's talk about one of the great joys of my life, Track! I stepped on the track with the intention to compete for the first time last year, when I was a junior. Let me tell you, I was terrified. I didn't event think I was going to make the team, regardless of the fact that our team didn't make cuts haha. Our first day of try-outs it was frigid! I thought all of my limbs would just fall off one by one like in the cartoons. It was also an endurance day meaning, OW! It hurt so much I had to ask the coaches for a reprieve from the workout for that day. The next two days were much easier and I was placed in the "Gold" rank. One below "Platinum"and one above "Silver" now don't go asking how many carets of gold or if it was sterling silver because he didn't specify. (Lol, lame joke I know) The point is we got to our first official day of practice and were told to run 150 meters as fast as we could when the coach said "Go". I finished 5 meters in front of all of the other members of Gold. Needless to say my coach couldn't figure out why I hadn't shown my skills off at try outs, but from then on I was "Platinum" otherwise known as "Varsity".

The first meet I was so terrified that I scratched out of my jumping events( meaning I didn't get any points) and I also though I disqualified my entire relay team, so I went in the bathroom and cried like a baby. Fear not friends there is hope yet! By the end of the season I qualified for districts in four events and I made it to regionals in three (If you don't know, this is a fairly big deal for someone who has never done it before, it's sort of like leading your team to the play offs your first time playing basketball). This year before I switched schools my current coach looked up my stats online and requested me to join the team. If that's not a vast improvement, going from disqualifying to being hand-picked then I don't know what is haha. The point is this, I was embarrassed and discouraged more times than I can count when I first started track. I was terrified to make mistakes and uncomfortable with being the new girl, but I decided track was something that I wanted to try. I had to push through the pain of embarrassment and the sting of defeat and I 'm glad I did.

You can too! I know it's hard, believe me no one ever wants to be the odd man out or the butt of a joke, but have you ever had a moment of  joy you could have never experienced if you had given up? That A on your test, passing grade in your AP class, that insanely difficult song you can play on your instrument? Looking back are you glad you kept at it? Life is no different, to get the sweet joy of success you have to give a little to get a little. If you are wavering or just just not sure how you'll make it in this world, get some support! I had my whole team at my back and my coach in my ear. Phone a friend, email a cousin, meet with the guidance counselor, go spend some time with your favorite teacher. Whatever you do, never give up on YOU, you're worth believing in.~Katy

9 do's and don'ts of meeting an online guy in person.

Hi pretty People! This blog is about how to be safe when encountering someone you've met on the internet. I had the misfortune of  being groped by some guy in a car. That was one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Like YUCK get you're hands off my chi chis and your tongue out of my throat!! Not every guy on the web is a scary creeper waiting to snatch you away from your friends either, my boyfriend is a great guy I met online. Here are the dos and don'ts 1. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS if you meet someone and the alarm bells start in your head thank them for meeting you and attend to your sudden "family emergency" on the other side of town. 2. Bring a friend, I was with a friend when I met the man who tried to assault me and I'm glad I was. 3. Do NOT tell them where you live and I mean not even the city. I always give the region where I live Examples: the DC  area, Richmond area or not too far from Tappahannock 4. Meet in a public place a safe distance from your house, the first time I met my boyfriend it was at a mall 30 minutes from where I lived. 5. This is just something you might say without thinking do NOT tell them what school you go to,not what teams you play in football, not what your mascot is, not your school's colors Don't do it. My bf didn't even know what city my school was in for a month. 6. After you make it through the first few meetings , if you go somewhere with them make sure it is an area that is familiar to you or you have a specific location so you can look up directions. 7. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS let someone know where you are going whether it's a parent, a bestie, or a sibling, do not be the girl they say "well she was supposed to be at the movies with Monique, but no one has seen her". 8. Have the person's full name and if you are getting into their car give a trusted person their license plate number. 9. keep your phone Charged!

I know It might seem a little over the top and you think it might scare the other person away, but if they are not willing to make sure you feel safe then they are not worth your time in the first place. Don't be a victim be an example of healthy habits. Below is the motto of Save the next girl and I strongly recommend we all commit these things to memory.  

|I will always trust my instincts. If it makes me feel uncomfortable or nervous, I will say no. I will love myself enough to ask for help. I am strong, smart, and trust my instincts. I will call someone I trust when I am in trouble. I will always carry my cell phone. I will never let a friend leave an event alone. I will check on friends when I haven’t heard from them. I will always use the buddy system.| Stay safe ~Katy 

Virgin is not a dirty word

So today can we talk about virginity? Whether you've already had sex or you are fighting to stay a virgin, you are  worth WAITING for. As young people how often have we heard this? What parents, pastors and role models fail to mention is how hard  it is to feel like the only one. It's hard to be presented with the opportunity to spend some time with that special someone that's been on your mind for months , to go to that party where they'll be, to invite them over when your parents are out and to stay virtuous. Three toughest parts of high school? Get into College, take the SAT, and stay true to yourself.  When I start to waiver and the thought crosses my mind that it would just be easier to conform, I remember this status I posted lat year when I was a junior" To all the people that ask 'why wait to have sex?' Because I'm SPECIAL just like every young man and young woman out there. I was CREATED specifically for my husband, every inch of me was well planned and crafted before I was even thought of and until I'm married all of me belongs to God, not ANY boy who wants to brag to there friends or any man that just wants to say 'oh I hit that'. Respect yourself and your soul mate enough to wait. Not judging jut saying. IT's NEVER to Late. September 14, 2011"  I know it's hard, I've been there but we are Strong.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.If you don't have someone to talk to when you are feeling weak please don't hesitate to email me here for some support! katystipsnclips@gmail.com ~Katy

Military Ball dresses

Military Ball coming up? Here are some dress ideas! I have recently been invited to my very first military ball for the JROTC program at my school. I am so excited! However, from everything I've seen and heard about Military balls it is generally more formal than prom, so I understand that attire is an important part of the event. As virtuous young ladies we are going for tasteful and elegant. This is preparation for future balls for me because I intend to join the USAF when I graduate from college, it'll be nice to have a general idea of the goings on. Hope you enjoy the photos! ~ Katy

Senior year stressers

Hi! This is my first blog so please treat me kindly hahah. Today I want to talk about one of the scariest parts of my life thus far, senior year! I started my senior year in a new school on the other side of the county. That by itself wasn't too scary because my old high school, complete with friends and football games were just a city away. Initially I was nervous but optimistic and I was pleasantly surprised to find I enjoyed the new school quite a bit. Then my happy bubble was burst when I learned that we were moving again, and this time it was the other side of the state instead of the county. Again, I felt nervous but optimistic, this time my optimism was not rewarded. I did NOT like my current high school for a variety of reasons. I disliked it so much that I went all the way back to my first high school for homecoming and still plan to do the same for prom. The people were not inviting, the food got up from the tray and ran, the guidance counselors only come in twice a week and they don't have study hall! I was ready to find a way to move back where I'd come from when I started indoor track, and thank God I did. In a place where there is no sense of community or camaraderie, a team was just what the doctor ordered. As time has progressed I've learned the names of most of the sprinters, people wave in the halls, ask if I'm okay when I miss class, walk through the lunch line and compare homework with me. I suppose all I needed was to find a niche that fit me. If you ever find yourself in a situation like mine, I recommend a school club or team, community service or a job where you will meet different people and find where you fit. Hope all you seniors out there enjoy this last year because we only get to once. ^_^ ~Katy